Uganda

The achievements thus far in Uganda include the distribution of 4,500,000 seeds, the planting of 700,000 trees and the delivery of workshops on agroforestry and tree planting.

The programme in Uganda continues to expand at pace, with organisations constantly asking for more seeds and support, and with continued widespread involvement from our partner organisations, local NGOs and community groups, it is likely that Uganda will be the most successful tree planting programme in East Africa.

Background

Most of Uganda’s land stands 1,000 metres above sea level, with twenty-five percent of the country’s surface covered by water. Whilst most of the country is dominated by a landscape of forests and savannahs there is a region of desert, which lies to the northeast of the country. This has a detrimental effect on the country’s ability to grow healthy crops.

Only a quarter of Uganda’s land can be cultivated, and this small proportion of arable earth is placed under added pressure by the growing population it must sustain.

Deforestation brought about by the increased demands for firewood only adds to the problem. As the land available for farmers to work becomes reduced, many are still expected to provide the same amount of crop yield. As the population continues to grow the issue is becoming unmanageable having negative effects throughout communities.

The Response

In addressing immediate concerns linked to deforestation, the effects on soil quality and land fertility and a diminishing agriculture industry, our partner organisations initially distributed 200,000 seeds to assist communities in the production of firewood and livestock fodder.

To ensure the longevity and sustainability of the programme our partnering organisations have now worked to facilitate tree-planting projects alongside the delivery of tree nursery management training and agroforestry workshops. There are now ninety nurseries established in Uganda, and over 4,500,000 seeds have been distributed and 700,000 trees planted.